From Garage to Main Street: The Story of Artisan Coffee Roastery
We caught up with husband-and-wife team Carlos and Ana Martinez, owners of Artisan Coffee Roastery, to learn how they turned a passion project into a beloved local business.
The Beginning
It started in their garage in 2018. Carlos, a former barista, and Ana, a marketing professional, began roasting coffee beans as a weekend hobby.
"We were giving bags to friends and family," Ana recalls. "Then friends of friends started asking. Before we knew it, we were roasting 50 pounds a week in our garage."
The Leap
In 2020, they took a risk and opened a small storefront. "We used all our savings," Carlos admits. "But we believed in what we were doing. We wanted to bring truly great coffee to our neighborhood."
What Makes Them Different
Artisan Coffee Roastery sources beans directly from small farms in Latin America and Africa. "We visit the farms ourselves," Carlos explains. "We know the farmers by name. That relationship matters—for quality, for sustainability, and for the story we can tell our customers."
The Community Hub
More than just a coffee shop, the roastery has become a community gathering place. They host:
- Open mic nights every Friday
- Coffee cupping classes on weekends
- Local artist showcases monthly
- Book clubs and study groups
"We wanted to create a space where people feel at home," Ana says. "Coffee brings people together, and we wanted to facilitate that."
Challenges and Growth
The pandemic hit hard, but they pivoted quickly. "We started doing home delivery before it was common," Carlos says. "We also launched online classes. Our community supported us, and we made it through."
Today, they roast 500 pounds of coffee weekly and employ 12 people.
The Future
They're planning to open a second location and launch a subscription service. But they're committed to staying local and maintaining their personal touch.
"We could expand faster, but we want to do it right," Ana explains. "Quality over quantity. Community over profit."
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
"Start small, but start," Carlos advises. "Don't wait for everything to be perfect. And most importantly, love what you do. If you don't love it, you won't survive the hard times."
Visit Artisan Coffee Roastery at 123 Main Street, or order online at artisancoffee.com